The best way I can describe wedding days are beautifully chaotic. There are so many moving parts; it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It’s an event you’ve saved up to invest in and will have loved ones you haven’t seen in years. Such a grand occasion, it’s understandable that you want to do your best to ensure everything goes smoothly, without a hitch. But like most live events, there's going to be something that doesn’t go perfectly. Don’t let those moments or minute things get in the way of this joyous occasion. Here are a few suggestions to help you stay in the moment.
If you’re on a tight budget or a DIY enthusiast, you may opt not to have a wedding planner, but this could be a huge mistake. Wedding planning is overwhelming, especially when you’re not exactly sure what to expect, how to plan, or even where to start.
The beauty of having a wedding planner is having someone take your ideas and implement them into a feasible plan within your budget. They also have a list of vendors which can help narrow down the list of people you need to reach out to.
While some venues offer day-of coordinators, they’re typically there to help with the venue only. If you don’t have the budget for a wedding planner, this will at least provide some relief on the day of your wedding. As a vendor myself, I prefer working with clients who have a wedding planner. It helps keep everything organized, and the day runs smoother. It allows the couple to experience the day with minimal worries.
No matter how much you plan, there’s likely going to be something that shifts the timeline a bit. Don’t let these small moments unsettle you. With so many moving parts, it’s normal to have something take a little longer than initially planned. It’s ideal to add some breathing room into your timeline. Don’t try to overpack the day. This is also where your wedding planner comes in handy. They know how this goes and can give you ideas on how to plan and pad your timeline. And in the event something throws it off, don’t panic. Go with the flow.
Whether it’s a family member, someone in your wedding party, or a vendor, be willing to ask for and receive help. It can be something as simple as you left your bouquet in another room and need them for pictures or need someone to assist a lost family member. On the day of your wedding, you’ll have a ton of things on your plate. If you can, turn off your phone. Allow your bridesmaid or best man to shield messages that need to get to you. Allow them to do some of the delegating so you can be fully present and in the moment.
This rule, realistically, should be applied as early as possible. You’ve entrusted your most trusted loved ones to be a part of your bridal party. Between the team, they should be able to help assist you and your partner leading up to your big day. But with that said, don’t overload them. Again, this is a place where I advocate for a wedding planner. You may see a running theme here lol.
Give yourself at least thirty minutes before the ceremony to just relax and decompress. This is the time to make sure you have everything you need before going down the aisle and a moment to yourself as you brace the reality that you're now minutes away from saying “I do” to the love of your life.
Living in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with information, we too often find it hard to revel in the quiet moments. Finding moments throughout the day to simply catch your breath will prove valuable in helping you maintain your composure during stressful moments and give you the space to stay in the moment.
One of my all-time favorite shows is A Different World. In some of the later episodes, Debbie Allen played the role of a psychologist where the advice she would give in her sessions was to relax, relate & release. To make the most of your day and the days leading up to it, implement the “three R’s”.
When undesirable moments come up, take a deep breath, and RELAX. Next, take a moment to RELATE to someone how you’re feeling. Once you’ve done that, RELEASE yourself from the thought and aggravation it brought.
Wedding days are major events. Compare this to a Beyoncé or Taylor Swift concert. There are a ton of moving parts to make it go right, and no matter how much you plan or how much you invest in this event, there’s always potential for something to go wrong. If it happens on your wedding day, take a cue from the world of entertainment and remind yourself the show must go on. Accept that you can’t control everything and remember to embrace the moments as they come.
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Embrace the chaos, savor the moments, and create memories that will last a lifetime. After all, it's not about perfection; it's about the love and joy you share with your partner and loved ones. So, stay present, stay in the moment, and enjoy every second of this beautiful journey.
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